Mary Childs

Mary Childs, a seasoned financial journalist and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, breaks down the intimidating world of investing. She discusses the importance of understanding retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs, emphasizing the benefits of employer matching and tax strategies. Childs explains how index funds often outperform actively managed funds and the role of diversification, including the classic 60/40 stocks-to-bonds ratio. She also touches on ethical investing and how to manage short-term goals with brokerage accounts, making finance accessible and engaging.

Mary Childs, finance journalist and Planet Money co-creator, joins Alex Mayyasi, economics reporter and longtime contributor. They tour the hidden economics behind everyday annoyances. Think raisin cartels, Cuties and branding, why childcare stays so expensive, how market rules shape capitalism, and why AI fears, pessimism, and progress can all coexist.

Mary Childs, co-host of Planet Money and author of 'The Bond King', dives into the intricate issues surrounding the national debt. She discusses why current concerns about fiscal deficits demand attention, contrasting them with historical precedents. The conversation reveals the political fallout from Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head, highlighting the trust crisis in economic data. Finally, they explore Tesla's hefty incentive package for Elon Musk and its implications for corporate governance.

Mary Childs, journalist and Planet Money contributor, joins to unpack this week’s indicators. They cover a new rule reshaping the truck driver workforce. They explain Poland’s rise into the world’s top 20 economies. They also tell the strange story of a booming illicit pet-ant trade and its ecological risks.

It’s Indicators of the Week. Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s episode: the drama behind the Fed Chair nominee’s wealth; the shoe company Allbirds is becoming an AI firm; and a drop in how many people are paying for their Affordable Care Act plans.The Indicator is launching a newsletter! Be among the first and sign-up now: npr.org/indicatornewsletterCome see Planet Money live on stage! 12 cities. Details and tix here: planetmoneybook.com/#tourRelated episodes: One Fed battle after anotherThe ghosts of Obamacare past, present and futureAllbirds: Tim Brown & Joey ZwillingerFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Mary Childs, a journalist and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, breaks down the intimidating world of investing. She clarifies the basics of employer retirement plans like 401(k)s, and the tax implications of traditional versus Roth IRAs. Mary emphasizes the benefits of index funds for most investors and stresses the importance of diversification to manage risk. She also explains the role of bonds in a portfolio and the significance of starting early to benefit from compounding returns. Plus, insights on ethical investing options make this a must-listen!

Mary Childs, author of "The Bond King" and an NPR Planet Money reporter, dives deep into the life of Bill Gross, the legendary "Bond King" and PIMCO founder. She discusses his transformative impact on the bond market and the internal conflicts that led to his dramatic exit. The conversation also touches on the emotional paradoxes faced by top investors, revealing how success can be both a blessing and a curse. Childs shares insights into the toxic financial culture that can shape a career, providing a captivating look at ambition and downfall.

Mary Childs, author of "The Bond King" and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, delves into the life of Bill Gross, the pioneer of bond trading and founder of PIMCO. She highlights Ed Thorpe's early influence on Gross and how they navigated the financial crisis while forging a unique bond with the government. The conversation also covers the dramatic events leading to Gross's decline at PIMCO, including a pivotal miscalculation and the personal challenges he faced, painting a vivid picture of the complexities behind 'The Bond King'.

Mary Childs, co-host of Planet Money and author of "The Bond King," dives deep into the complexities of stock market predictions using the Fama-French model. She highlights the shifting nature of financial numbers and the clash between empirical finance and legal perspectives. Discussions also include the historical performance of value stocks versus growth stocks, challenges in creating reliable datasets, and philosophical questions about the reality behind financial numbers. Childs' sharp insights make this exploration of finance both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Mary Childs, Planet Money co-host who makes economics accessible. Alex Myasi, Planet Money reporter and book contributor. Kelly Phillips Erb, tax attorney and Forbes writer on tax scams. They unpack IRS phishing, smishing and AI-enabled impostors. They discuss the Planet Money book’s take on automation, ATMs and AI’s effects on work. They share local tips for spotting spring blooms in NYC.